Your Attitude Affects Your Dream

In the audio version, I answer the question of why I’m not taking coaching clients. 

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I have a confession to make: I’m a jerk. Well, not all the time, but I have been acting like a jerk since about February. I’d like to just fix my mistake and put on a good front for you, but I don’t believe in being fake. I would also love help with accountability.

I’ve worked hard to get here. Where, you ask? A lifestyle of complete freedom in my work, health, and relationships. It took almost three years of working 60-hour weeks delivering bread and building this on the side to get here. You would think now that I’m here life is all good, but I’ve made a problem that wasn’t there.

I will always remember where I came from and how hard I worked to get here. When someone who is doing the same thing reaches out to me, I will respond. People have told me I feel approachable and I hope that’s how I come across to you because I am approachable. I love talking to people who are on the hustle.

Lately though, I haven’t lived up to what I’ve put out there. Since I was a guest on Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn, my platform has grown. That appearance brought thousands of new friends here. As you can imagine, many have reached out through email, Facebook messages, and Twitter. I should be happy because this is what I’ve worked so hard for, but I let it go to my head.

Lately, when people have reached out, I’ve gotten irritated. I look at the messages and everything I have on my plate, and feel burdened and stressed. I have allowed my attitude to shift from what I’m blessed with to what I HAVE to do. By making it an attitude of “have to,” I’ve turned away from what got me here.

I’m sorry.

I have seen a lot of heroes I greatly respect become untouchable as they have grown their platform. As they have turned away from their fans, I have gotten a lesson in how not to build. I always want to be here for anyone who’s going through what I went through. I will never forget all the friends who have helped me get here by letting me guest post, allowing me to be on their podcast, buying anything from me, or offering encouraging words. I will NEVER forget where I came from.

So again, I have been a jerk who’s slipped in these last four months, can you forgive me?

I do want to make something clear. There is a difference between reaching out and getting to know each other, and free coaching. I have coached 127 free hours in my career, so I have paid my dues. I would love to chat, but where it crosses the line is when someone asks for advice that my clients pay me to help them with. It’s not fair to them.

Watch Your Attitude

Yes, I know. I’m hardly one to talk but this experience has shown me that your attitude affects your dream. If you see things as what you have to do instead of what you’re blessed to do, it affects the actions you take.

Every day we breathe air is a good day. We aren’t guaranteed any days, so it’s a miracle when we wake up and can live. Our attitude should be joy. I’m not saying you have to walk around with a smile on your face every day, or never get angry, but overall we shouldn’t view life as one big to-do list.

Never forget where you came from and how hard you worked to get to where you are. Always welcome those who are on the same journey as you. Think about how hard it is for them to move past their fears and reach out to you. It’s a privilege.

Lesson learned on my part, now time to back it up with action. I wake up every day and experience true freedom so my attitude will reflect that gift. Thank you for being here and thank you for letting me be a little part of your journey.

Audio version:

Has your attitude ever affected your dream?

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Photo: Flickr/ Ben Raynal